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[driftsintobuffetline]

Today--in my world--November 9, 2015 marks the one year anniversary of the birth of the Jaeger program. Happy First Birthday to Mark-1 Brawler Yukon.

And I really did not want to have to make this post on today, of all days, but I've put it off long enough.



Robotics Engineer and Jaeger pilot Mako Mori appears have been ported out.

[Here Newt thinks "I don't know how to do this in a personal sense. I've never been good with this and I've spent too many years with the PPDC. All I know is form letters. 'We regret to inform you...'"]

I hope she's gone home to kick some Kaiju ass.

[He includes a picture of Mako's beautiful model of (ironically the last Jaeger) Gipsy Danger 2.0. Newt and Hermann will be keeping this for her in the hope that she returns. Or to give to Raleigh or Pentecost, should they appear before she does. He's not sure if he selfishly hopes she returns, or is happy for her that she's gotten to go home.]

If there was anything in her possession that belonged to you and you would like it returned, please forward your request to either me or Dr. Gottlieb.

Thank you.

[If Newt has seemed a lot more subdued since the 7th, and in the next few days, this is the reason. It's frightening to think that someone he knows could disappear overnight. He really doesn't like to consider the implications. He's not great at expressing his feelings, nor were he and Mako especially close, but she was a valued member of their team, kind and caring, bright and capable; he respected her abilities. He's going to miss her quiet smiles and her calming presence.]

Comments

[mathemagier]

[Hermann's return smile is alight with amusement]

And what is that? They need to be able to tolerate me? That does sound fairly difficult.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[It's such a nice smile.]

You're the Gatekeeper, man. The bridge troll. The final boss. You decide who will go and who will stay. You've got to like them, and all things considered, I don't think too many will pass.

[mathemagier]

[Have a chuckle too, Newt]

Now you're truly dooming yourself. Best stay to more casual relationships in that case.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[He pats Hermann's cheek gently.]

It's so cute that you thought I was ever going to aim for anything else, man.

[mathemagier]

[Takes another drink]

Hmm.. we haven't lived much yet, have we? Schooling, then the Kaiju.. Can't fault you for that, I suppose.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[Newt nods, a 'sow our wild oats' comment dying before it even began. He leans into Hermann.]

I lived...a lot.

[mathemagier]

You were in college for ten years, Newton.

[driftsintobuffetline]

Have you not seen campus life? That's living...kinda.

[mathemagier]

Newton, I spent six years in Berlin earning my doctorate, so I can say that while some experiences were invaluable and rather enjoyable, it does not exactly qualify.

[driftsintobuffetline]

Okay okay, whatever. But for clarification's sake, you're telling me to sleep around and live it up? Just checking here. Hermann Gottlieb is telling me to sleep around and live a little.

[mathemagier]

[Damn that's a yawn isn't it]

I'm saying I don't fault you for it. Most men our age are beginning to settle down- or desire as much.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[ A long stretch of quiet. Newt can feel a heaviness settle behind his eyes; he's tired. Or Hermann is, judging from the yawn. Can they trigger sleep in each other in the same way they can trigger pain or emotion? A study...for another time. ]

...that what you want?

[mathemagier]

I don't know. [He really doesn't. It takes considerable effort to lean forward to set his glass back down, and he slumps back with a sigh] ..We should go to bed.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[ He sighs and leans forward, elbows on his knees, head on his arms. ]

mmmnot tired. It's too early to go to bed.

[mathemagier]

[Hermann stares at Newton's back, then just because it's there, lays a hand over his spine.]

If I did, I think I'd want someone like you. But I don't think.. that's going to happen.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[ Newt exhales slowly, incredibly still, right where he is, like he's scared to startle a resting bird. Hermann's hand is slightly cool through his button up shirt, at least compared to Newt's skin,. He stares at their bland beige carpeted floor dusty with chalk, at the cuffs of his jeans and the colored threads in the seam of his socks, trying to focus on something else beyond the jumble of thoughts in his head. Maybe if he focuses far enough away, Hermann's thoughts will separate and fall to the backdrop and Newt's will become clear and three-dimensional, like a Magic Eye puzzle, and he can make sense of who the hell thinks and feels what.

But they're both far too drunk to do anything of the sort. If he has the courage to do so, Newt will bring this up again in the morning. His heart pounds in his ears.

He probably won't.

His voice, when he speaks, is muffled. ]

I was wrong. It's definitely bedtime.

[He raises his head, puts a hand on Hermann's knee--casually and yet it feels as if his hand has grown heavier and the gesture carries more weight--pats, and then stands, offering Hermann a hand up.]

Come on, Herm. The floor wasn't very comfortable, doubt two grown men on a couch will be either.

[mathemagier]

[Hermann's hand slips off Newton's back, but he smiles up at his roommate and doesn't think much of the sudden change. He grasps for the man's hand and allows himself to be hauled up, then searches briefly for his cane. He keeps one hand on Newton's arm for steadiness as they slowly make their way toward his bedroom]

Things like this, I don't have to ask you. You already know.. everything.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[ Hermann looks happier and more peaceful than Newt's used to seeing him. It reminds him of Halloween and the masquerade and that does nothing to help the warm but cautious and uncertain feeling rushing through his veins and tumbling in his chest with every hasty heartbeat.]

Hey, I'm in your head. Besides, we've known each other how long now? You've broken me in like a good pair of shoes. I'm well-trained. [He pats the hand on his arm and then reaches for Hermann's doorknob] Don't settle for convenience, Hermann.

[mathemagier]

Well there's also your intelligence and charm to consider. Such a rare combination. ..But really, Newton. I do appreciate everything you've done for me.

[Hermann returns the gesture with a grateful pat as he parts from Newton and rounds the bed to slowly start stripping down to sleep]

Are you going to sleep here tonight?

[driftsintobuffetline]

[They had just been trying to deal with the gravity of Mako's departure, but if anything, the alcohol had worked absurdly well to that end. A blush creeps up his neck.] You're a tease when drunk.

[Newt had been sleeping in Hermann's room since Mako disappeared, because they both (Hermann couldn't even deny it) took a comfort in having the other there; regardless of what affect it had on their connection or not, he slept better, anyway, knowing that he would know if Hermann disappeared in the night.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he follows at the question and then stops at the edge of the bed. His own pillow still sits against the headboard next to Hermann's, waiting for him.]

You're drunk, I'm drunk, maybe I should sleep on the floor.

[mathemagier]

[Hermann shrugs, unable to confirm or deny the statement at his current level of intoxication, and decides to sleep in his pants as opposed to trying to remove them. His fingers manage the belt after several moments so he can do so comfortably at least.]

I am going straight to sleep, I promise you. So unless your hands are the type to wander, I doubt there's any need for that.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[He undresses down to his jeans, then decides they are really too skinny to comfortably sleep in even if he undoes the fastening at the front, so he wriggles his way out of them, leaving only his boxers and socks. And if Newt watches Hermann undress, it honestly isn't anything other than to make sure his drunk and normally unsteady friend actually manages to safely undress and get into bed.]

They are, but for your sake I'll make an exception. [He tosses back the covers and climbs into bed on his side. His side of Hermann's bed. The side his pillow was on. They definitely didn't have sides.]

[mathemagier]

[Hermann hums something skeptical but amused, and makes sure his cane is within easy reach before carefully climbing into bed himself. He's reaching for the lamplight when a sound from the doorway and a flash of orange fur alights on the bed]

Liebling, joining us for bed? [She's a good cat, but she doesn't answer of course, just turns around in a circle to clean after he pets her. Hermann tugs the light off and settles into bed with a sigh]

Newton will kick you out if you don't settle down.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[ He grumbles something under his breath about the cat and puts his glasses on the bedside table. ]

Newton will kick you out if he wakes up with your butt in his face again.

[He can hear her, first the licking which is odd enough, and then as she moves around there's just a low, constant vibrating purr emanating from her spot on the bed. It reminds Newt of his uncle's wave-sound sleep machine. ...Okay, maybe it IS a little soothing.

Until she steps on him. He's pretty sure she's using those claws to tenderize him, but for what, he's not sure.]

[mathemagier]

[Hermann smiles over at her, just able to make out the kneading motions in the dark and reaches over to pet her again, voice all sleepy fond indulgence]

Good girl. ..Good night, Newton.